We thought her grandparents might do what grandparents do best. (They did.)

On the big day, her favorite people handed over a steady stream of colorful paper to crumple and tear and eat, not to mention the boxes. So many boxes!

But mostly, we stiffed Bailey on presents because babies are perfectly happy playing with everyday items around the house. They don’t need plastic, blinking, ringing toys designed especially for babies and for giving mom a truly spectacular migraine.

“Some active toys – the ones with the bells and whistles – prompt kids to sit back and be entertained by pushing buttons. But passive toys make for active kids. When the toy is simple, a child is forced to be creative, dynamic and engaged on an entirely different level, which enables and promotes development.”

Here’s What You Should Be Spending Money On

If you want to make your baby’s day, here’s a list of toys he will go BANANAS over, and they won’t cost you a dime. Not things he wants and can’t have like cords and toilet paper and dog food. For example, although Bailey would love to play with the remote controls, we don’t let her because of the nasty chemicals in most electronics.

This is a list of all the things around your house that are (relatively) safe and will put your baby in a magical trance.

The day I discovered the potato masher would keep Bailey entertained for 15 minutes straight? That was a good day.

Your house is chock FULL of these hidden baby toys. Rotate through them every couple days to keep baby interested. Variety is key. Having a wide variety of toys actually makes babies smarter!

First, a Disclaimer

Always supervise your baby when playing with unofficial baby toys like this. Actually, always supervise your baby when they’re playing with ANYTHING. As a baby, Abby once choked on a piece that came off a baby rattle for her exact age range, made by a very respectable company. I had to perform the baby Heimlich maneuver. And then I sat down and cried in a very unattractive way, complete with snot running down my face.

The toy was later recalled. But my point is this: Humans make baby toys, and humans also make mistakes. Constant vigilance, as dear old Mad Eye Moody would say. These household items are relatively safe, but you gotta watch those little bags of slobber and puke at ALL TIMES. Also, please don’t sue me.

From Your Kitchen

1. Wooden Spoons

2. Nested Mixing Bowls

Bailey will bang on the bowls, stack the bowls, turn the bowls upside down, put things in the bowls, try to sit in the bowls.

Just make sure the plastic is BPA-free like this set, for when baby inevitably chews on them.

(Plus, this set is made from recycled plastic, it’s dishwasher-safe, and they’re made in the USA.)

3. Spatulas

Another great choice for teething babies. (Side note: For all the utensils in this list, just watch to make sure they don’t get a little overzealous in seeing how far they can get the handle in their mouths.)

4. Muffin Tin

Load each hole up with a baby toy like a wooden block, and watch your little one go to town.

14. Baby Food Jars

Fill empty, clean jars with different things like uncooked rice or beans, beads, sequins, pom poms, or anything else small and interesting. Then screw the lid on super tight (you could even glue it if you’re neurotic about choking like me). Baby will shake, rattle, and roll.

From Your Closet

15. Baseball Hats

As long as you’re okay with the faint smell of baby slobber next time you wear it.

16. Leather Belt

When Ty gets dressed every morning, Bailey about goes apeshit trying to get to his belt before it’s on and out of her reach. If you’re worried about the metal buckle, get a belt with a leather buckle like this.

23. Wooden Massager

Just keep an eye on those little balls in case they start to come loose.

24. DVDs

We keep our kids’ movies on the bottom shelf of our entertainment center. Bailey’s favorite game lately is to pull each movie off the shelf, throw it on the floor, then rummage around the pile to find the tastiest looking one.

25. Vacuum Cleaner

Your mileage may vary on this one, but Bailey absolutely loves to watch me vacuum. She doesn’t even freak out about the noise. I just plop her in the middle of the floor and vacuum all around her, and she’s mesmerized.

Want More?

For more tips on keeping your little one happy, follow my Pinterest board Bundle of Joy.

My kids have been fans of whatever we put in the recycling bin. We let them play with the empty clean items for a while and then return them to the recycling bin once they’re bored of them or have destroyed them.

I couldn’t agree more with this post! We have the same back massager and I just brought it downstairs for the baby and he loves it. So how did you politely ask family NOT to give….ahem…crap? We’re a few months away from our first Christmas!